Quincy enforces tab tax

Business owners say tax collection may close some doors

QUINCY — The Quincy City Council's finance committee wants to meet with businesses and organizations impacted by the city's plan to start enforcing an old city ordinance requiring collection of taxes on pull tabs and similar entertainment.

City Administrator Tim Snead said after Tuesday's council meeting that finance committee members Jim Manly, Paul Worley and Jim Hemberry are expecting to meet with representatives from Moose Lodge, The Club Sports Bar & Grill and others in one month to determine what must be done about the taxes and fees the city is required to collect.

Snead said the council's code enforcement committee decided about a month ago to begin enforcing the ordinance.

On one side of the issue, city officials say they are finally enforcing an existing ordinance that has been on the books since 1951. On the other, business representatives say that if the tax is collected now it may put them out of business.

In a letter sent to businesses and organizations dated Oct. 24, the finance department wrote, "According to our records, the City of Quincy has not received fees for pull tabs, amusement devices or pool tables located in your establishment."

According to the letters, pull tabs require a payment in the amount of 2 percent of gross value to the city by establishments.

"We know what it will cost us and we will likely have to close our doors," said Gene Rosenberger, a trustee with Moose Lodge. "It would be devastating to us as a private organization."

Rosenberger said he estimated it would cost his organization $300-400 per month.

Butch Gebers, co-owner of The Club Sports Bar & Grill, said it would cost his establishment $600 per month to comply with the ordinance, but he believes the council will work with businesses to find an alternative solution.

"This money is what keeps some people open," Gebers said.

Quincy resident and The Club Sports Bar & Grill co-owner Chris Vizena attended the council meeting because he was concerned about enforcement of the old ordinance and the impact it would have on local businesses.

"There are five restaurants in town that are for sale and this makes things more difficult (for businesses)," Vizena said.

Mayor Dick Zimbelman said a previous council was once determined to begin collecting the tax, but the issue died in committee.